omakase

American  

[oh-muh-kah-sey] / ˌoʊ məˈkɑ seɪ /

noun

Japanese Cooking.

plural

omakases

1. a series of dishes selected by the chef for the customer or a group of customers, often at a fixed price.

   The omakase was a lovely experience—the sushi servings were small, but they were numerous, unique, and exquisite.

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adjective

Japanese Cooking.

1. in accordance with or trusting the chef’s discretion.

   The items on the omakase menu did nothing to ease my doubts about this whole dining omakase thing, but props to the chef, who knew just where to find the convert in me.

Etymology

Origin of omakase

First recorded in 1965–70; from Japanese: “the leaving (of a decision) for another to decide,” from o-, 2nd person honorific prefix ( cf. otaku ( def. )) + makase “deferring, entrusting” (derivative of makaseru “to entrust”)

Example Sentences

At the multi-level Red Bull Mirage that overlooks the Quasar Stage, Nobu will offer a reservation-only omakase counter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

One Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa might have a slightly dated interior, but the chef’s counter omakase — about 20 pieces of nigiri, including uni, snow crab and multiple cuts of tuna — certainly delivers.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

Between omakase, small plates and cocktails with unpronounceable ingredients, even the most devoted foodies can get baffled when they walk into a restaurant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

Today, Zheng is the mastermind behind the newly opened Sushi Akira, an intimate 12-seat, 18-course omakase experience on the Upper East Side.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2025

There are open-air booths facing the stage where guests can order bottle service with a la carte options from Nobu, while the interior features a chef’s counter with omakase service.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025